This Helmet Ruined My Ski Holiday

"The intimidating headgear I'm wearing is the Ruroc RG2. It is, according to Ruroc, the world's only full-face snowsports helmet-and now I can fully understand why, despite initially thinking it looked like the ideal lid to replace my aging POC. On paper, the RG2 should be a winner, despite a starting price of $379 (making it more expensive than nearly all of WIRED's picks in our ski helmet guide). Only when you wear it do the drawbacks become abundantly clear."

"The RG2 is actually an ISPO Award-winning helmet. It has a built-in Twiceme NFC chip, so you can store critical medical information that can be easily accessed by first responders in emergencies. To protect your noggin, it's lined with Rheon, a breathable, energy-absorbing polymer (originally conceived from a NASA project looking at space shuttle foam replacements) that's flexible in its natural state but instantly stiffens on impact."

"For even more outlay, there's an optional JBL-powered Cardo Communication System that lets you stream music, take calls, connect with a GoPro, and chat with up to 15 other equally intimidating Ruroc users on a mesh network."

The Ruroc RG2 is marketed as the world's only full-face snowsports helmet, priced at $379 and featuring numerous advanced capabilities. It includes an ISPO Award-winning design with a built-in Twiceme NFC chip for storing medical information accessible to first responders. The helmet uses Rheon, a breathable energy-absorbing polymer derived from NASA space shuttle foam research, which remains flexible normally but stiffens instantly upon impact. An optional JBL-powered Cardo Communication System enables music streaming, calls, GoPro connectivity, and mesh network communication with up to 15 other users. Despite these technological advantages, the helmet's intimidating full-face appearance creates significant social friction, with even friendly acquaintances expressing discomfort during interaction. The updated RG2 design improves upon the original RG1 by simplifying the lower face plate attachment mechanism.

Read at WIRED